There is no question about it, the Orlando theme parks can get pretty unbearable during the hot summer months. While the average highs during the summer months are in the low 90s, the heat index can make the temperature feel like it is well over 100 degrees.
Combine the high heat with lots of walking around and pushing your body to see and do as much as possible, you can probably see how the heat can have a negative consequence for theme parks.
Orlando boasts numerous theme parks including Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando. All of them are feeling the impacts of extreme heat and taking measures to make the parks more bearable for both guests and employees during the summer months. While we have all probably been hoping for Disney to develop a weather dome that can provide air-conditioning for the whole park, we know that most likely won’t be happening anytime soon. But, how big of an impact could the extreme heat have on the theme parks?
Florida Politics spent months obtaining public records and speaking to a number of key players to better understand how heat has affected the theme parks in Orlando. We know first-hand just how HOT the theme parks can get in the summer and the effect it can have on your days in the parks. According to Florida Politics, there were OVER 400 heat-related 911 calls at Disney World during the four months of summer.
The CEO of SeaWorld Orlando stated that the “weather was a very significant factor” in their attendance numbers. In the summer of 2023, attendance at SeaWorld Orlando fell by 3%. The company attributes this decline in attendance to the weather including extreme heat and rain.
All of the Orlando area theme parks have been forced to find ways to protect employees and guests from the extreme heat. The theme parks have been building air-conditioned queues for new attractions and providing more shade throughout the parks. SeaWorld noted that they have been focusing on building more indoor shows and providing drink options that can be refilled for cheaper.
As well, Disney gives out free iced water to guests and has first aid centers for guests to use. Disney designs Cast Member costumes out of breathable materials and is committed to protecting Cast Members from heat-related issues. Florida Politics also noted that Universal is also taking measures to protect people from the high heat. At Epic Universe, Celestial Park will feature about 1,500 trees to help provide shade in the area.
State Representative Anna Eskamani told Florida Politics that she worries that the extreme heat may have an impact on theme park attendance. The theme parks are a huge part of Orlando’s economy, and the unbearable heat could result in a reduction in visitors during the summer months.
We write A LOT about strategies for Disney World during the hot summer months. We know that the weather can have a huge impact on your trip, and we want to make sure you are prepared if you are heading to Disney World in the summer. Yes, it will be hot. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time still; you just want to manage your expectations! Plan for LOTS of breaks indoors and try to hit the attractions and shows that are indoors during the hottest part of the day. Give your body plenty of time to rest and head into the stores on your way for some wonderful AC. And it can never hurt to build in a day or two for a resort day and some pool time! Of course, make sure you are staying hydrated as well!
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Have you been to the theme parks in the summer? Let us know about your experience in the comments!
Dan says
It’s a little baffling how WDW is so anti-shade, especially in new designs. Toy Story land in particular seems designed to be a solar oven…
It’s only going to get worse.
Robert Allen says
I would hazard a guess that it has more to do with the constant price increases!
Gino says
Disney has never seemed to be concerned about heat. For example, when you are in the standby line for Mickey and Minnies runaway railroad you out in the open. Yes, they have some umbrellas and some fans, which you are lucky if half of them are working but for the most part you are out on concrete in the exposed sun. I never notice any cast members out there in the sun only us patrons. An hour wait at my age in the hot sun is no fun.
Kenp says
Didn’t seem any hotter or wetter than a normal Florida summer/rainy season to me.
Don says
Sure it’s hot but I think it’s more than just the heat. Being a dvc member I can never get a room reservation unless I book 6mo. In advance. The cost is a factor , you pay for everything. No more perks like the magical express or fast passes everything is extra and you pay. There’s no shade or enough tables to eat at. Trees take years to grow and Disney dropped the ball again. I have been going to Disney world since it opened and feel priced gouged lately. My pockets are only so deep